Fred O. Earle Jr.

Fred O. Earle, Jr., 92, of Sandwich passed away at Falmouth Hospital on April 16, 2012. He was the beloved husband of Katherine W. (Parks) Earle for over 70 years, and is survived by his four sons: James, Fred, William and Dennis, and his daughter, Winifred. He was dearly loved by his 4 daughters-in-law: Mary (who preceded him in death), Michelle, Jad, and Hillis; and his son-in-law, George Williams.

He leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Kelly and her husband Scott, Jonathan and his wife Kim, Adam and his wife Pam, Katie and her husband Peter, Karen and her husband Andy, Cortney and her husband Jay, and Christopher, Andrew, Mark, Mary and Kevin; along with 16 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother, James H. Earle and sister-in-law Joanne. He was predeceased by his sister, Helen (Earle) Gagner and brother-in-law Henry (Junior). He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews.

Fred was raised in Sagamore, the son of the late Fred O. Earle, Sr. and Dorothy (Baxter) Earle. After his marriage he moved to Sandwich. It was here that he started The Fred O. Earle, Jr. Oil Company. Over the years he expanded along Rte 6A in Sandwich with his gas station, car wash, laundromat, beauty shop and the very famous Marshland Restaurant. He purchased other properties along 6A in order to house and service his many trucks that were well known on the Cape for over 65 years delivering oil, servicing burners, delivering ice and pumping septic systems for many of his loyal customers. He also provided the fuel for boaters travelling through the canal with two pumps directly on the canal long before Sandwich had its Marina.

Fred was very proud of his boxing career. He was a welter weight and won many significant matches, including the New England Golden Glove and the Diamond Belt. He fought many of his matches in the original Boston Garden and the old Boston Arena. He had a serious boating accident which ended his boxing but never dampened his determination. Fred became a very successful businessman, respected by whomever he had dealings with. He will always be remembered for his honesty, integrity and generosity.

Fred had many passions, but one significant one was his love for his precious German Shepherds. Both Fred and his wife dearly loved King, Prince, Duke, Kim and Dante.

His wife, children and their spouses, his grandchildren and their spouses and his great- grandchildren will always remember all the special times with him and all he has meant over the years to his family. He will be missed so very much!

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012 in the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Route 6A in Sandwich. Funeral services in the funeral home will begin at 10 am on Friday, with burial following in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Fred was a truly wonderful man and will be remembered for his donations to many local organizations and would appreciate being remembered by his friends making donations to a local organization of your choice.